Weddings & wedding planners
Wedding reception: which wine to choose and in what quantity
The wedding reception is the first wine served to guests and sets the tone for the event. The choice depends on the desired standing, season, and budget.
Champagne: the natural prestige choice
A grower Champagne or a cuvée from a well-known house remains the most expected choice in France for a wedding. A non-vintage brut is sufficient for the vast majority of cases; a blanc de blancs or a vintage Champagne is justified for a higher standing.
Crémant: the reasonable compromise
A crémant from Bourgogne, Alsace, or Loire cuts the budget by half to two-thirds compared to an equivalent Champagne, using an identical production method. It is a relevant option for a longer welcome reception.
Dry white or Provence rosé
On the Côte d'Azur, a crisp dry white (Bellet, Cassis, Bandol blanc) or a quality Provence rosé works particularly well outdoors, alongside a sparkling welcome drink.
Quantity to plan for
Allow 0.4 to 0.5 bottles per guest for a reception lasting about an hour. Beyond 1.5 hours, increase to 0.6.
Frequently asked questions
- Can Champagne and crémant be mixed at the reception?
- Yes, by serving Champagne for the couple's arrival announcement and then switching to crémant to manage the budget.
- Is a non-alcoholic option necessary for the reception?
- A refined non-alcoholic option (sparkling grape juice, kombucha, mocktail) is recommended for about 15% to 20% of guests.
- Champagne in a glass or a coupe?
- The tulip glass preserves aromas better than the classic coupe and is now the standard for refined weddings.